Old Sacramento kicks off event season
Old Sacramento is a major destination in Downtown Sacramento and draws an estimated 3.3 million visitors annually.
This historic district is home to some of Sacramento’s signature events that take place throughout the year. These events draw people into the district and are a great way to drive traffic into the many locally owned shops in the vicinity. Take a look at what’s ahead in 2015:
St. Patrick’s Day Parade:
Presented by Old Sacramento Business Association
Families are encouraged to celebrate the Celtic culture during this free event. Unseen Heroes has been brought on to produce this year’s parade that will feature bagpipers, Irish dancers in elaborate Celtic costumes, Tartan-clad Highlanders, school bands, and many other cultural organizations. This event is expected to draw an estimated 15,000 people.
Pacific Rim Festival:
Presented by the Asian Pacific Rim Foundation
Every May, this street festival showcases the richness and diversity of many Pacific Rim cultures through cultural programs, entertainment, art and food. The event is a good way to enhance the community’s knowledge of Asian and Pacific Islander cultures in a fun and positive environment. An estimated 25,000 people will be in attendance.
Sacramento Music Festival:
Presented by the Sacramento Traditional Jazz Society
Now in it’s 41st year, the Sacramento Music Festival is one of the biggest parties of the year that takes place over Memorial Day Weekend. Over the years, this event has evolved from a jazz jubilee to now include other styles of music such as blues, rock, jazz and dance bands. Each year there are over 400 live musical performances by over 70 bands playing at various venues in Old Sacramento. As one of the largest events in Sacramento, an estimated 75,000 people will be in attendance.
Gold Rush Days:
Presented by the Sacramento Convention & Visitors Bureau and the Historic Old Sacramento Foundation
Gold Rush Days is the Sacramento region’s heritage celebration that takes place over Labor Day Weekend every year. Set in Old Sacramento amongst the historic buildings, California’s Gold Rush is reenacted through live street theater, wagon rides, music and gold panning. This authentic reenactment draws nearly 125,000 people over the four-day event.
Theatre of Lights:
Presented by Old Sacramento Business Association
Old Sacramento’s Theatre of Lights is a unique state-of-the-art live staging of the classic ’Twas The Night Before Christmas. The show blends a symphony of lights, sounds and visual effects which will take the audience back to a time when the beloved poem ‘Twas The Night Before. The beloved poem comes to life on the balconies and rooftops of Old Sacramento’s historic buildings on K Street between Front and 2nd Street. This holiday event runs the Wednesday before Thanksgiving through New Year’s Eve and draws an estimated crowd of 50,000.
New Year’s Eve Sky Spectacular:
Presented by the Sacramento Convention & Visitor’s Bureau
New Years revelers can once again celebrate the turn of the calendar in Old Sacramento along the river. The New Year’s Eve Sky Spectacular is a fun and free way to ring in the New Year with family, friends, or your date! Prior to the two dazzling firework shows scheduled to light up the night sky at 9 pm and midnight, the festive community event also features live music, food and drink vendors, and a variety of street entertainment, all taking place throughout Old Sacramento. An estimated 35,000 people come for the New Year’s Eve festivities.
If you would like more information on any of these events, please contact Chris McSwain with the Old Sacramento Business Association by calling 916.442.8575 or by email at chris(at)oldsacramento.com.